Tang Dynasty Bandits

Chapter 10: Formation Cutting Ye Luoliang

When Ye Luoliang's armored cavalry failed to charge several times, and the soldiers and horses were injured and clearly showing signs of decline, the rows of chariots of the Cao army also untied the chains that connected them.

The infantrymen under the chariot had spear-shaped hubs installed on the wheels, which resembled large metal scrapers.

Pulled by the draft horses, the chariots with their iron chains untied began to accelerate from a standstill. The wheels rolled, the horses neighed, and neat ruts were left on the ground. The cluster of chariots began to run at high speed, and the wheels, with sharp edges, charged towards Ye Luoliang's fully armored cavalry formation in front.

Meng Kai also galloped on his horse, commanding the previously scattered cavalry to gather together like a swarm of bees to protect the two wings of the chariot formation.

The mighty sound of war drums stirred the morale of the soldiers between heaven and earth, and the battle flags surged in the wind like a raging tide. With extremely high morale, the rebel soldiers counterattacked the Pinglu cavalry.

Thousands of drums thunder, thousands of flags fire and the wind rises!
"This Ye Luoliang is completely ignorant of the history of war, past and present. He only knows the superficial aspects and yet he comes here to speak nonsense. He was defeated by me today. Isn't it ridiculous?"

Huang Chao stood on the high carriage and spoke to his nephew, Mr. Lin. His loud words floated in the wind, but Ye Luoliang on the opposite side could hear them clearly.

Ye Luoliang was horrified as he watched the rebels begin their counterattack. The heavily armored Pinglu cavalry were a serious drain on horsepower by charging. After repeated failed charges, their horses grew tired and their spirits waned. His knights, faced with the oncoming Cao army, couldn't help but feel a surge of fear.

When the Pinglu cavalry mustered up the courage to charge at the chariot formation, all they could hear were the painful neighings of horses, and the wailing was heart-wrenching.

Even with their armor protecting them, the swiftly spinning wheels, carrying sharp blades, still caused many knights' legs to be instantly severed or crushed, sending them careening off their horses. The lancers on the chariots immediately seized their armor-piercing spears, piercing the gaps in the armor at their faces and necks, slaying the fallen knights beneath the chariots. Some knights survived the moment, but were crushed by the relentless wheels, leaving behind a gruesome sound of shattered flesh and bones. After their heart-wrenching screams, only a trail of blood and shattered flesh and bones remained, leaving behind no sound.

The Pinglu cavalry were slaughtered like pigs and dogs by the sharp blades of the rebel army's chariots. How could this slaughterhouse-like scene not terrify Ye Luoliang and others whose fighting spirit had already faded?
"Withdraw!"

It was unknown who had first shouted this, but the Pinglu Iron Cavalry completely lost their fighting spirit. The previously imposing and majestic cavalry began to turn back like mice seeing a cat. The cavalry formation fell into visible disarray, with some knights even nearly colliding with each other in their galloping.

The armored soldiers driving the chariots whipped their horses and drove them at full speed in pursuit. Meanwhile, the rebel light cavalry led by Meng Kai also followed from both flanks and attacked Ye Luoliang's troops.

"Drink!"

Meng Kai let out a roar, like a rolling thunderclap, sending smoke and dust billowing from the ground. He pulled a javelin from his back and hurled it with all his might, striking a galloping Pinglu knight squarely on the back of his head. With such force it pierced through the heavy iron armor, the spearhead shattering the skull and piercing through the man's head, exiting through his eye socket!
"Jue Hai, well done, you are indeed a good disciple of your master!"

Huang Chao gave a thumbs up on the chariot, showing an expression of approval.

The Pinglu knight killed by Meng Kai's spear was none other than Ye Luoliang's adjutant. His death in battle terrified Ye Luoliang and his men, who frantically whipped their horses, forcing them to gallop. Some even tore off their armor and threw it to the ground to speed up their horses. Others, unable to bear the weight, collapsed from exhaustion, falling from their horses and being engulfed in the billowing dust from the chariots.

Zhu Cun changed into the uniform and horse armor of the Pinglu Army and followed Zhu Wen, blending into the collapsed Pinglu cavalry. In the panic, military discipline was completely lost, and no one noticed the two mysterious knights who had infiltrated at some point.

The two men sped up their horses and approached Ye Luoliang quietly.

But when he was still ten steps away, Ye Luoliang suddenly felt a murderous intent approaching him. He turned his head and met Zhu Cun's broad face. "There is no such person as you in my army!"

Ye Luoliang said sternly.

The guards beside him were also alarmed and shouted, "Protect General Ye!"

One of the personal guards swung his spear and charged towards Zhu Cun, but Zhu Cun also raised his spear to meet him. After fighting for a few rounds, he swept his spear, and his natural brute force gushed out, knocking the personal guard of Ye Luoliang off his horse with his spear. He stabbed the spear through his throat and killed him in the dust and mud.

"Sanlang works hard!"

Zhu Cunzhen shouted loudly, while Zhu Wen had already galloped on his horse, riding side by side with Ye Luoliang. The Great Xia Dragon Sparrow Sword was shining with blood, and it went straight for Ye Luoliang's neck.

"Someone come and save me!" Ye Luoliang exclaimed, "There are only two enemies, what's there to be afraid of?"

Therefore, only a few loyal guards heard Ye Luoliang's cry for help and rushed over, but they were stopped by Zhu Cun Fen. Zhu Cun Fen had previously bravely knocked the guard off his horse and killed him with a single spear, which also frightened them.

Zhu Wen's swordsmanship was fierce, like a rainbow piercing the sun or a comet striking the moon. Ye Luoliang blocked with his snake spear, feeling the sword's force surge like the sea, endless and boundless.

"Those who stand in my way will die, those who let me live!"

Zhu Wen's loud roar was like thunder and lightning, which frightened the soldiers of the Pinglu Army.

After the crushing defeat, Ye Luoliang had no will to fight. Seeing Zhu Wen's mastery of the sword, he became more and more timid. After only ten rounds, his hands were weak and he spurred his horse to flee, but Zhu Wen caught up with him. With one blow of his sword, blood spurted out and his head fell off. However, Zhu Wen caught it and held it in his hand, saying coldly, "Ye Luoliang's head is in my hands. You'd better surrender."

The cold voice had a captivating power. Some knights, terrified by Zhu Wen's might, fell from their horses. Others, captivated by Zhu Wen's power, not only refused to flee but, like puppets, turned their horses around and shouted their surrender.

But the vast majority would never surrender to the bandits, even if their chief commander died in battle. They were the elite of the Tang Dynasty, and they held onto their dignity. So Zhu Wen wielded his sword and charged straight through the Pinglu cavalry, reaching the front of the enemy formation in a matter of moments.

However, at this moment, Zhu Wen suddenly felt a chill coming from nowhere, which made him feel creepy and his hair stood on end.

Instinctively sensing danger, he whipped his horse to the side and simultaneously swung his precious sword. With a sharp clang, Zhu Wen was instantly thrown back three steps, both horse and rider. Furious, he looked up to see a tall, burly enemy general in black armor, standing before him, his horse brimming with energy. He looked about fifty, with a leopard-like head and round eyes, his features sharp and angular, and an awe-inspiring presence that made directing one's gaze unbearable.

The visitor's gaze fell on Ye Luoliang's head in Zhu Wen's hand, and then they met eyes. "Boy, what did you say just now? 'Anyone who stands in your way will die'? Say it again, and see how I do it."

Although Zhu Wen had never seen this person before, he had seen his portrait long ago and immediately recognized who he was.

This person is none other than the younger brother of General Song Wei, the commander of all the military camps, also known as "Heavenly Sword" Song Jue!
(End of this chapter)